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LA Market’s Shows A Surprising Burst of Buying Activity

by Rebecca Cringean — January 21, 2016

Los Angeles market was in full swing this week at the California Market Center and the New Mart building.

The CMC hosted Select and Transit. Select’s juried exhibition of apparel, accessories and premium footwear brands represent a healthy cross section of women’s and young women’s contemporary collections. Magaschoni showed their luxury cashmere sweaters and Nammu displayed an enviable mix of beachwear amid jewelry designers such as Krysia Renau, Leslie Francesca and G-Lish. Seeded Handsown’s artisan sandals complemented the leather boot selection over at the Latigo booth. Notable handbags included the colorful, contemporary Mexican creations at Maiaquita and the coveted premium leather at Hobo the Original. The Transit shoe show set foot in the CMC penthouse this season and focused itself on footwear trends such as Luxe Bohemian, Precious Metals, Black and White and Nautical. All the usual suspects made the scene including Steve Madden, Chelsea & Zoe, Seychelles, Jessica Simpson and Chinese Laundry, to name a mere few.

In addition to Select and Transit, the CMC gave buyers a little sneak preview of the new ALT activewear and lifestyle show. The show, which replaces the previous Shape show at the CMC, premiers in March with a focus on lifestyle categories such as swimwear, intimate apparel, loungewear and such. This will help to incorporate local apparel categories that show well beside activewear.

Despite January typically being a slower show, key retailers such as LA East, Clover, Ambiance, Brigade, Nordstrom, Modcloth, Marshall and Revolve were writing paper and making deals. New showrooms such as Puma and NTWRK Agency debuted this market, completing the CMC vibe. Over at the New Mart building, Designers & Agents brought their friendly, comfortable style to the contemporary scene. Known for their hospitality, good food and inviting lay out, D&A celebrates over 15 years at the New Mart. Favorites like the Brooklyn Hat Company, Bed Stu, Falcon & Bloom, Jakett and JP and Mattie were doing business alongside the likes of Mar y Sol, Minnie Rose and Mystique. “The mood was positive and orders were being placed in every category of brand that was exhibiting. Many of the exhibitors commented on how important this delivery is for them. Traffic has been strong and consistent,” said D&A co-owner Barbara Kramer.

The LA Market will heat up once again in March, with more shows and even more action.